“Anthony Decker is a brilliant shop foreman. He’s awesome at helping his teammates solve challenges by looking at them in new ways,” said David Dechand, McElroy’s sheet-metal shop steward. “He clears up confusion by simplifying and making things easier. Anthony’s leadership helps everybody have a great day.” Anthony Decker, McElroy’s sheet-metal fabrication shop foreman, celebrates his 15^th anniversary with McElroy’s on October 6, 2025. We’re glad to honor Anthony for being a highly educated and experienced shop foreman, and a respected mentor and teacher.

Interest in Engineering

Anthony’s grandfather, Martin Decker, Sr. owned a sheet-metal shop, and Anthony’s father, Martin Decker, Jr. has also made his career in the sheet-metal trade. While in high school at Topeka West, Anthony took classes in the engineering block. “Growing up around tradesmen, I enjoyed working with my hands, and was especially interested in the engineering side,” Anthony said. “I took shop classes, and enjoyed Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and other technology courses. My senior year, I interned for a civil engineering company and drew prints for many parking lot designs. I also worked on a survey crew one summer. I learned a lot, and I loved it.”

Professional Student

After high school graduation in 1998, Anthony became a “professional student.” He started at Kansas State University, working on degrees in mechanical and nuclear engineering. When his girlfriend, Angie, graduated with a degree in apparel design and marketing, she had a great job opportunity with Buckle clothing stores. The pair moved to Sherman, Texas, and were soon married. Anthony attended nearby Grayson College and graduated summa cum laude with associate’s degrees in math and information technology. While Angie’s clothing-retail career flourished, Anthony worked part-time in hardware and clothing sales and attended SE Oklahoma State University. He completed his bachelor’s degree in math, with a minor in IT. “Then everything changed,” Anthony said. “We learned we were going to have quadruplets.”

McElroy’s

In 2010, the family moved back to Topeka to be closer to relatives, and raise their quads: daughter Alyssa, and sons Maddox, Logan and Jaden. “We bought a house and a minivan, which we still have, and I looked for a full-time job – but my math education wasn’t leading to anything that paid well,” Anthony said. “My father, McElroy’s sheet-metal manager, needed demolition work done at a bank in Holton, so I started there as a helper. I’d done summer work for dad before, so I knew a lot about the trade already. I enjoyed the work, and the money was good, so I signed on with the sheet-metal union.”

Apprentice to BIM Expert

While working on his apprenticeship, Anthony split his time evenly between fabrication in the sheet-metal shop and working in the field. When he turned out as a journeyman, he started running projects. Key jobs included the Lawrence Boy’s and Girl’s Club and major renovations at KU Dyche Hall. After a couple of years, McElroy’s asked Anthony to help expand the company’s expertise in Building Information Modeling (BIM). “Although I like working with my hands, BIM let me take advantage of my math and IT education,” Anthony said. “I was figuring things out fast, and McElroy’s paid for a multi-week Zoom course so I could fully master it. I love learning new things!”

clear Answers

“Anthony is really smart, and a terrific asset for the sheet-metal guys in the field. Any time I call him with a challenge, he is always under control: Cool, Calm, Collected,” said Chuck Mercado, McElroy’s sheet-metal foreman. “Anthony can help with traditional sheet-metal issues, and also guide you through new technology questions. If he doesn’t know something, he’ll find the answer and get back with you. The way he explains things is great. He knows how to make his answers understandable without anyone ever feeling dumb. I’m really thankful we have him!”

Shop Foreman

In late 2021, McElroy’s wanted a forward-thinking leader as foreman of the sheet-metal shop. Now with advanced BIM skills added to his firm foundation in sheet metal, Anthony had the right abilities for the job. “Successful companies embrace the future,” Anthony said. “McElroy’s has invested in all-new technology and machinery, and we use leading-edge Trimble geospatial positioning systems. I’m in a spot where I can do non-stop learning and teaching. Being shop foreman has turned out to be very rewarding!”

Quality Control

“People don’t realize how much Anthony pulls things together. He’s the ideal go-between from the engineers and designers to those who build and install everything,” said Martin Decker, McElroy’s sheet-metal team manager. “Anthony’s quality control is outstanding because he’s a very good listener who asks insightful questions and encourages excellence. Anthony often teaches through correcting mistakes, helping people realize how they can do something better. He’s open and honest, without drama, and everyone appreciates that!”

Union Instructor

Anthony’s appreciation for academics has brought him full circle to actual classroom teaching. “I’m a part-time instructor for Sheet Metal Local 2 pre-apprentices,” Anthony said. “I lead a 10-week course on Tuesday and Thursday nights in a union classroom here in Topeka. We do five weeks of math, and five weeks of drafting. Teaching those courses draws on all my experience – from college through the workplace. If I eventually have a career outside of McElroy’s, it might be as a full-time union instructor. I think I’d really enjoy that.”

Family

In their Texas days, Angie was one of the top 20 Buckle store managers in the United States. Today she still works for Buckle, at a store in Topeka. She is closing in on her 20^th anniversary with the retailer. The quads are freshmen in high school, and son Jaxon is 11. The family is active with Faith Lutheran Church, and enjoys lake-life activities like boating, camping and fishing. “The kids play every sport known to man: football, basketball, volleyball, track, and my personal favorite, wrestling,” said Anthony. In what free time he can find, Anthony still likes working with his hands. “I build stuff, weld projects like go-karts, tinker in the garage, fix things and learn.”

Innovative Thinking

“For a company as large as McElroy’s, it doesn’t feel corporate at all. Instead, we have a small, family-knit feeling,” Anthony said. “We can have honest conversations with each other about how to do the best work possible. And there are opportunities to learn and do new things.” Anthony’s life-long love for learning has led him to constantly evolve new ways of solving challenges – and then teach those methods to others. We appreciate Anthony Decker for 15 years of innovative thinking as a rising member of our sheet-metal team. We hope Anthony will continue to help shape the future of McElroy’s for many years to come!